Montreal Itinerary 3 Day
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Montreal Quebec is a charming mix of old and new. Though established in the 1600s, the city has a youthful feel (it is home to six major universities). While it is a northern city, Montreal celebrates the outdoors with its many sidewalk cafes, open-air festivals, and parks. From the cobblestones of Old Montreal to the clubs of Rue St. Denis, our Montreal Itinerary 3 Days will introduce you to this stylish Canadian hub.
This Montreal itinerary works equally well for summer or winter travel. Day one takes you to romantic Old Montreal. Day’s two and three travel to other parts of the city including St Joseph’s Oratory, Mont Royal Park, the Montreal Underground City, and the Jean Talon Market. At night, the itinerary samples some of the famous Montreal nightlife.
Our Montreal itinerary includes many of the most-loved things to do in Montreal. For information on Montreal restaurants and hotels read our Montreal Travel Guide. Read our Things to Do in Montreal article for other ideas on Montreal attractions.
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WHERE TO STAY IN MONTREAL
To minimize travel times to and from Montreal attractions, book a hotel in the Old Montreal, Old Port Montreal, or Downtown Montreal neighborhoods. In these areas you will find a large number of hotel rooms at a variety of budgets. Click here to investigate Montreal hotels.
HOW TO GET AROUND MONTREAL
Even though Montreal is hilly, it is a great city to walk with wide sidewalks and many pedestrian lanes. If you stay in the Old Montreal, Old Port, or the Downtown area, we suggest parking the car and walking to all areas except Mont Royal Park, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, and the Montreal Casino. Click here to check out rental car prices. For these Montreal attractions take a taxi, Uber, or the bus.
MONTREAL TRAVEL TIPS
Recommended Hotel
Our last trip we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Centre-Ville. It was clean, reasonably priced, had secure parking, and included breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. The location was central. There was a rooftop indoor pool and outdoor patio.
Montreal in Summer
Temperatures are hot and humid (65-85’ F). It rains or showers on most days. July is the warmest month with an average high of 79’F and low of 63’F. Pack city-chic clothes that can be layered (in Montreal style matters). Bring sturdy walking shoes (for the cobblestones) and rain gear.
Montreal in Winter
Temperatures are often below freezing, and can feel colder with the wind (20-40’F). January is the coldest month with an average low of 10’F and high of 24’F. Pack warm clothing that can be layered. Boots should have tread (lots of ice). Bring hats, mittens, and scarves to cover exposed skin.
Montreal Festivals
The city hosts frequent festivals in summer and winter. Check the city’s calendar of events before settling on a date for your trip. Be aware large festivals can impact costs and your ability to book hotels and activities.
Montreal Tours
3 DAY MONTREAL ITINERARY
Day 1: Old Montreal and Old Port Montreal; Evening at Montreal Casino
Begin your exploration in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal) where the city was first established. The area is characterized by blocks of French-inspired grey stone buildings connected by narrow cobblestone lanes. In between the many pubs and bistros there are art galleries, specialty stores, and souvenir shops.
Must-see landmarks include the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Hope, Bonsecours Market, Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Jacques Cartier Square, Place de Arms, and Notre Dame Basilica.
From Old Montreal, walk toward the riverfront and Old Port Montreal. The neighborhood has a long pedestrian park that runs past Old Port’s marina’s, quays, groves of shade trees, sidewalk shopping, and the Big Wheel of Montreal (Ferris wheel).
If you have young people in your party the Tyrolienne Zipline and Labyrinthe adventure park is also in this area. Also, if it is a rainy day, the Montreal Museum of Archeology and History and Montreal Science Center are in Old Port.
Spend this evening at the Montreal Casino. It is located about 4 miles from Downtown Montreal on a small island in the Saint Lawrence River. The casino is the largest in Canada. There are restaurants, slots, gaming tables, and bars onsite. There is also a cabaret supper club and regular concerts and comedy shows. Note, there is a strict dress code.
Day 2: Mont Royal Park & St Joseph’s Oratory. Evening on Rue St. Denis
In the morning, make your way to Mont Royal Park. On a hill above the city, the expanse is a relaxing urban getaway. Begin by walking to the Chalet du Mont Royal for exceptional views of Montreal’s skyline. Then, walk through the parks rolling green fields or hike in the woods. There is a pond, picnic grounds, and a large cemetery to explore.
Alternatively, if you are a gardener, spend the morning at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. The 190-acre park has a biodome and over 22,000 species of plants.
In the afternoon, tour Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. The Catholic basilica sits at the top of an incline. To reach the basilica, the devout climb the church’s 99 steps on their knees (there is also a shuttle bus). Onsite, visitors can tour the main basilica, a votive chapel, Stations of the Cross, and much more. Admission is free.
If you have seen enough churches, try a Sip of Montreal Brewery Tour.
As evening falls, head to Rue St. Denis. Lined with Victorian-style buildings, Rue St. Denis crosses through the neighborhoods of Plateau Mont Royal and the Latin Quarter. The street is popular with university students, young professionals, and tourists due to the high concentration of bars, dance clubs, hip shops, and trendy restaurants. Go for dinner and then see where the lights take you. They will be on until the wee hours of the morning.
Day 3: Jean Talon Market and Montreal Underground City
Conclude your 3 day Montreal itinerary with a shopping spree. Begin at the open-air Jean Talon Market off of Rue St. Laurent. This is a great place to pick up gifts for home. Walk the stalls full of locally made syrups, sauces, smoked meats, cheeses, flowers and produce.
Next, find an entrance to the Montreal Underground City (La Ville Souterraine). The sprawling five-story underground mall and entertainment complex is full of restaurants and retailers. Shop the stylish clothing and home goods stores. Then, get lunch before heading for home. Note that the Underground City is attached to the metro (and many hotels), and a great fallback plan for any time that the weather is wet or cold.
Don’t leave without trying a sweet sesame bagel, Laura and Randy
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